Laboratory Testing for Organic Matter in Water

How can you have your water tested for organic matter by our partner laboratory?

In addition to the basic package, which lets you order a water analysis from our laboratory and covers shipping both ways..., you can order specific tests as options.

This test for organic matter checks for the presence (or absence!) of organic matter in your water.

To have your water analyzed:

1. Order the basic kit

2. Order this specific test for organic matter

3. Receive the kit at your home

4. Send it back to the testing laboratory using the return label provided

5. The laboratory performs the test you ordered

5. We supplement the laboratory results with our technical recommendations

The WHO's view on organic matter in water*

Sources of organic matter in water

Naturally present in waterways, natural organic matter comes from the death of living organisms (animals and plants) along the banks or in the water. 

Organic matter also comes from discharges generated by human activities, which can pollute water : domestic or industrial wastewater, livestock or vineyard discharges ; as well as pesticides or hydrocarbons.

Organic matter is broken down by fauna, which consumes large amounts of oxygen and can therefore lead to water deoxygenation and the release of toxic substances (ammonia, nitrites, hydrogen sulfide…). This causes rivers to silt up, reducing the quality of the aquatic environment and considerably diminishing its fauna and flora. The accumulation of organic matter can also cause unpleasant odors or visual nuisances and promote the growth of bacteria, viruses, worms…

Standards for organic matter in water**

Organic matter is identified using several indicators :

- dissolved oxygen level

- Dissolved Organic Carbon (DOC) level

A level of 7 mg/L is set as a target.

Effects of organic matter on the body

Natural organic matter is harmless to humans, but interferes with drinking water treatment processes.

* This paragraph is based in part on the WHO report “ Guidelines for Drinking-water Quality ”. 

**A guideline value is a reference value provided by the WHO.